Actor Cha In-pyo has formed a musical group, the “Compassion Band,” comprised of more than 120 members to help poor children around the world.

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

While Hollywood's Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are busy saving the world through charity donations, Korea's famous stars are also opening their wallets and doling out their talents to help the needy.

Actor Cha In-pyo and his wife, actress Shin Ae-ra, have been supporting underprivileged children around the world for the past several years though Compassion International, a child support orgainzation. They have even formed a musical group, the ``Compassion Band,'' comprised of more than 120 members.

With the help of fellow stars including singer Hwang Bo, celebrity couple Jung Hye-young and Sean, and singer DJ Koo, the two recently released an album titled ``Love Bridge.''

``We made this album with hopes that more people will learn and join us at Compassion. We hope people will enjoy the album and further hold hands with children (who need their help),'' Cha said during the showcase for the album last month.

All proceeds will be donated to underprivileged children.

Another event filled with love will be held at KBS Hall, Dec. 5. The Joy Concert, in its tenth year, is organized by Joy Place, an organization comprised of mothers who have disabled children or family members. The event's proceeds will be donated to welfare centers for the disabled.

Singer Yoo Yeol will host the event, as he has for the past 10 years, with musicians including guitarist Lee Byeong-woo, pianist Yiruma and singers Kim Gwang-seok and Seo Young-eun. Tickets for the concert cost from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Call (031) 977-9055.

Conductor Seo Hee-tai and his wife, soprano Koh Jin-young, will also appear at a benefit event called ``Love Virus II'' on Dec. 10. The couple has held the concert for the past five years to support underprivileged families and children suffering from cancer. The event will be held at Yeongsan Art Hall in Yeouido. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Call (02) 591-0308.

While some stars appear at concerts, others do their part by appearing in front of the camera. Top actors including Go So-young, Han Ji-min and Jeon Do-yeon have participated in photo shoots for fashion magazines such as ELLE, in hopes to help those who are in need.

ELLE magazine is holding its annual ``Share Happiness'' campaign aimed at offering donations to organizations such as Compassion and Good Neighbors. More than 90 companies and celebrities have participated in the campaign in order to collect more contributions for their neighbors this year. The campaign donated a total of 2 billion won last year. The photo shoots can be seen in the December issue.

Meanwhile, television personality Hyun Young became the first celebrity to become a member of the donor club ``Honor Society.'' There are a total of 38 members in the club ― 26 of whom have refused to reveal themselves to the public. Members are granted membership by making donations of more than 1 billion won. The 33-year-old star has donated 1 billion won over the past two years.

Hong Myung-bo, a soccer star and current manager of the Korean Olympic team, also shared his compassion by becoming a goodwill ambassador for the Salvation Army.